WIDNES chairman Steve O'Connor is offering fans the opportunity to watch the Vikings for free on Sunday, all in the aid of a good cause.

They take on Skirlaugh in the Carnegie Challenge Cup (ko 3pm) and O'Connor is asking spectators to make a voluntary donation to Clatterbridge Hospital when they enter Stobart Stadium Halton.

The move follows negotiations between Widnes and their amateur opponents, which will see Skirlaugh receive an undisclosed fee rather than a share of the gate.

O'Connor, who rescued the Vikings from administration back in October, said: "There are great things happening both on and off the pitch at Stobart Stadium Halton and I want everyone to be part of it.

"This is one way of giving the people of the borough a chance to watch Steve McCormack's new-look Vikings team and help a worthy cause."

Admission to the North and South stands will be free but children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Coach McCormack is delighted with his side's recent scoring spree, which has seen them rack up 24 tries in two games within the space of four days.

He said: "We did well and responded to our defeat at Leigh the week before as we needed to.

"We were finding it hard to cross the line earlier in the season so to run a few tries in will have done us the world of good. We're getting some attacking combinations going now between the likes of Bob Beswick, John Duffy and Lee Paterson so it gives us more options. Our props, Jim Gannon and Ben Kavanagh are starting to combine well too."

The ever-thorough McCormack has had a look at Skirlaugh on video and been impressed with what he has seen.

He added: "Skirlaugh have been going really well in the National Conference and they've got quite a number of ex-pros in their squad who've played for Hull and Hull KR, so we'll be picking a strong side.”